Kindness is Free. Sprinkle it Everywhere!

#3 of an Inspirational Series

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Have you ever been blessed by the kindness of a total stranger?

Well, I have and it literally makes your heart swell in gratitude. You’ve probably had similar experiences. But let me quickly tell you how a perfect stranger rescued me from a thorny situation.

I was at the mall with my 9-month-old grandson who was strapped into a baby carrier. Time for a feed and an epic battle began to get him out of the carrier. An observant stranger hopped over and deftly released the straps. By that time, my grandson was howling in hunger and I was extremely grateful for another mom’s quick thinking!

What is Kindness

Today, kindness is often equated with money. While it has its place, spontaneous kindness has a greater impact. Simply because it’s done with a generous spirit expecting nothing at all in return.

This quote sums it up perfectly:

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John Ruskin

So kindness simply means giving of yourself – be it time, a hug or a smile.

The Health Benefits of Kindness

Did you know that there are several health benefits to being kind? The best one is that you’re left with ‘helper’s high’ which is great for both your physical and mental well being.

Check out this YouTube video to get the main health benefits of showing kindness to others.

The Science of Kindness

Can Kindness change the World

A great big YES. It is so powerful that a single act can inspire similar acts of kindness. Like a chain letter, the feel-good factor of kindness is passed on and on and on ….  In this way, the world can be supercharged with the joyous current of selfless service.

Consider this quotation:

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. ~  Bob Kerrey

Let’s look at the acts of kindness that prove this.

1. We are the World

Remember the song ‘We Are the World’? Some of the most gifted musicians of our time gave their time and skills to create a track that raised over $63 million for humanitarian aid in Africa. That was true kindness in action.

2.Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations

There are thousands of non-profit and charitable organizations that are motivated purely by the generosity of spirit that is the bedrock of kindness.

Some international examples are:

• Habitat for Humanity
• The Gift of the Givers
• Doctors without Borders
• Amnesty International

3.Local Random acts of kindness

Every community has organizations that serve so that the needy, homeless and hungry may benefit. Some common examples are:

• Winter blanket drives
• Food collections
• Shoebox ministries
• Soup kitchens

Can kindness change the world? Yes, if we educate our kids on the powerful benefits of kindness. Let them learn the lesson early that kindness and love are sides of the same coin.

Make an effort to do your part and always pay it forward!

Like what you read? Be sure to share it on your favorite social media platforms so that others can learn the tools to transform the world with kindness.

In case you missed the first segment of this inspirational series, you can read it here…..
Joy in the Garden

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